Prime Highlights:
Confronted with high burnout rates and significant challenges related to equity and mental health within the veterinary sector, Elise Burns founded Evette, a veterinary staffing service.
The veterinary profession has one of the highest suicide rates across all industries, with burnout being a critical issue.
Evette is committed to promoting work-life balance and fostering more equitable environments, particularly for women in leadership roles.
Key Background:
Dallas-based Evette is an innovative veterinary staffing service founded by CEO Elise Burns. Recognizing the growing issue of burnout within the veterinary industry, Burns developed a transformative solution to address the problem. Early in her career, Burns was drawn to the significant gaps in the sector, particularly concerning workplace equity and mental health. These insights led to the creation of Evette, which has since evolved into a groundbreaking service aimed at addressing staffing shortages and enhancing work-life balance in veterinary clinics across the United States.
The veterinary industry faces considerable challenges, including having the highest suicide rate among all professions and widespread burnout. Burns established Evette when she realized that systemic change was necessary—not only to combat burnout but also to build a stronger, more equitable, and inclusive environment for women, particularly those emerging into leadership roles. What began as a solution primarily for women has gained broad industry appeal, as both men and women in veterinary employment share common challenges that Evette seeks to address.
Evette’s innovative approach prioritizes a comprehensive benefits package, which proved more important to Burns’s clients than competitive salaries. By offering 401(k) matching, paid time off, and flexible benefits, Evette has successfully attracted and retained veterinarians seeking a healthier work-life balance. This approach has reinforced Evette’s understanding that the value of employment extends beyond salary, encompassing holistic benefits that improve quality of life.
Burns envisions that by addressing burnout, gender imbalances, and offering generous benefits, Evette is driving a shift in the veterinary industry. He remains committed to fostering inclusivity, ensuring that his team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians thrives within a balanced and supportive environment. Through these efforts, Evette is contributing to the transformation of the veterinary field, creating a space where individuals, regardless of gender or race, can succeed and flourish.
